Holden Malibu CDX Review

Sitting squarely between the Cruze and the Commodore, the Malibu is Holden’s answer to the ever-growing mid-size car market. Perhaps more attractive to fleet buyers than private, the Malibu boasts an impressive list of features and an attractive price tag.

While the Malibu range consists of the CD and CDX, we recently tested the top of the line CDX in both petrol and diesel. One of the big selling points for the Holden Malibu is the availability of a 2.4L, 4 cylinder petrol and a 2.0L, 4 cylinder turbo diesel engines for fuel conscious buyers. The Holden Malibu is however only available in 6-speed automatic transmission.

The petrol engine produces 123kW of power @ 5800rpm and 225Nm of torque @ 4600rpm, with a recorded fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km. Out on the road the petrol engine was quiet, suspension well-tuned to Australian roads however a little underpowered when asked to over-take – lacking the oomph to sustain momentum. The turbo-diesel engine produces 117kW of power @ 4000rpm and 350Nm of torque @ 1750rpm, with a recorded fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km. The burly diesel engine does produce a little more cabin noise but it certainly eliminates any under-performance that the petrol engine may have.

It is difficult to find the right words for the Holden Malibu’s style. While it does nothing to offend, it also does nothing to inspire. The exterior is classically Holden, featuring elongated headlights and a substantially larger grille. The interior design also leaves you feeling a little sub-par, however practicality, comfort and abundance of features make up for the slightly unadventurous design. The Malibu CDX features soft leather seats with front seats both 8-way power adjustable. One of the pleasantly surprising features for this price point is the heated seats.

At the drivers fingertips are cruise control, audio controls and a well-laid out trip computer displaying average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty, instantaneous fuel consumption and odometer. The long list of features continues with key-less entry, push button start, dual climate control, rain-sensing wipers, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and a 7” colour touch screen in the centre console. Another impressive feature of the Malibu CDX is the abundance of storage including a storage compartment behind the MyLink screen, 4 door pockets all able to accommodate 1L bottles as well as a few other handy nooks and crannies throughout the cabin.

Holden’s MyLink system is easy to use and responsive. The Malibu CDX features Bluetooth with audio connectivity, smartphone app integration, USB and AUX and a 9 speaker system. Safety is paramount with the Holden Malibu receiving a 5 star ANCAP rating with ABS, BA, TCS, EBD and electronic parking brake.

With the petrol CDX at $36,470* drive away and the diesel at $40,590* drive away, the Holden Malibu represents value for money incorporating a long list of features buyers are coming to expect with a choice of two very competent engines and the trusted Holden name.

*drive away price for postcode 2000. Prices subject to change.